ROC2C

Montargil, Portalegre, Portugal Photos: Celso Gonçalves Roc2c

Rua Dr. Manuel D'Arriaga, Avis, Alentejo, Portugal Photos: Celso Gonçalves Roc2c

Fronteira, Portalegre, Portugal Photos: Celso Gonçalves Roc2c

Fronteira, Alentejo, Portugal Photos: Celso Gonçalves Roc2c 

The lovely small town of Avis is situated in the vast Alentejo region, in the top on a hill with 201 meters high, rich with history and natural beauty. The origins of Avis are quite ancient, and throughout the territory many archaeological vestiges have been found attesting the ancientry of the region, with several megalithic monuments and vestiges of quite ancient cultures. Avis was the headquarter of one of the most important military order and gave name to one of the most important and charismatic Portuguese dynasty. What remains of the Castle nowadays show the history of other times when religious and military orders populated, defended and built villages. According to the legend, this castle was built in secrecy in the 13th century during the night, and whenever the sun’s rays would rise in the morning, the walls were covered with vegetation so that the Moorish enemy, always around the corner, wouldn’t acknowledge the future fortress. The village, with a mediev...

Although the façade and the south tower are 18th century, the origins of the Church of St Paul are in the 16th century, visible in the Manueline Mudejar towers and roof castellations, as well as in the interior decoration. It has a rectangular plan and three naves. The decoration of the side altars is Baroque, as is the sanctuary of the altars is Baroque, as is the sanctuary of the altar of Na. Sa. Do Rosário, which has tiles of “cord seca”. The 16th century retable in the chancel represents the conversion of St. Paul. Largo da Igreja, Pavia, Portalegre, Portugal Photos: Celso Gonçalves Roc2c

Largo Cândido dos reis, Avis, Portalegre, Portugal Photos: Celso Gonçalves Roc2c